The Government of Ghana has intensified efforts to tackle youth unemployment while strengthening public safety standards, as officials push for expanded technical training and stricter enforcement of electrical certification regulations.
Speaking at the 24th Electrical Wiring Certificate and Awards ceremony, the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, and the Board Chairman of the Energy, John Gatsi, underscored the importance of equipping young people with employable skills while safeguarding lives and property from electrical hazards.
Mr. Opare Addo announced a major expansion of the National Apprenticeship Program (NAP), describing it as a structured pathway to employment through hands-on training in high-demand trades. He revealed that the government has secured dedicated funding for the initiative to eliminate financial barriers and ensure broader access for young Ghanaians.
As part of the expansion, the Minister has directed the National Youth Authority to collaborate with the Energy Commission to scale up training in electrical installation. According to him, the programme will not only provide certification but also equip beneficiaries with stipends during training and startup kits upon completion.
“Certification alone, as important as it is, is only one part of the equation. Without tools, skills cannot be applied, and without opportunity, expertise is wasted,” he stated.
Mr. Opare Addo further disclosed plans to incorporate language training into the programme to enable skilled Ghanaian electricians to access international job markets where demand is high.
Addressing gender inclusion, he commended the 36 female apprentices graduating in the current cohort, describing their achievement as a step forward in bridging gender gaps in the technical field. He, however, called for a significant scale-up in female participation, assuring that the NAP would maintain quotas to increase women’s representation in engineering and technical roles.
On the regulatory front, Mr. Gatsi emphasized that electrical certification remains a critical safety requirement rather than a mere formality. He cited the Electrical Wiring Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 2008), as the guiding framework for professional standards in the sector.
He disclosed that the Energy Commission has certified over 18,000 electricians and inspectors since the regulations came into force, adding that the Commission is intensifying monitoring and enforcement to reduce fire outbreaks linked to poor electrical installations.
Mr. Gatsi urged the public to engage only certified professionals and encouraged newly qualified electricians to confidently pursue contracts across both private and public sectors.
Despite the focus on skills development, the Youth Minister raised concerns about rising drug use among young people. He described the trend as “devastating,” citing a Ministry survey indicating that 41 percent of tertiary students and 31 percent of second-cycle students are aware of drug use on their campuses.
In response, he announced the launch of the “Red Means Stop” campaign, aimed at curbing substance abuse and protecting the future workforce.
The ceremony also celebrated excellence among trainees, with Daniel Odum emerging as the overall best student, while Prisca Ashiagbo was named the best graduating candidate in the Greater Accra Region.
Officials say the combined approach of skills training, funding support, and strict regulatory enforcement is expected to build a safer, more professional electrical industry while creating sustainable employment opportunities for Ghana’s youth.
Story By: Eugenia Ewoenam Osei
